Twelve Lords for Yuletide

A Mix of Previously Published and New Stories 4.5*

Once Upon a Midnight Clear 5* by Ava Stone - Thought this was a cute story. A third son determined to make his fortune even if that means going into ‘trade’, a spoilt and snobbish heiress, ghostly goings on and attempted murder. Loved it!

The Viscount’s Tempting Minx 5* by Erica Ridley - A hilarious novella with an ultra managing lady and a devil-may-care viscount.

The Christmas Conquest 5* by Claire Delacroix - Can a sterile marriage be saved with a courtesan’s advice, or will the new year see this couple part for ever? Due to past family tragedies, for every one step forward gained in the couple’s intimacy, this was followed by two steps back. Note: the matchmaking courtesan was a hoot.

Lady, It’s Cold Outside 5* by Deb Marlowe - Two strangers have an instant attraction when their journeys are delayed by a flooded bridge and they have to take refuge in an inn. Add in a young boy with a love of Christmas, some villains and one determined lady who knows what she wants, and you have all the ingredients for a delightful story.

A Winter Wish 3.5* by Nadine Millard - Mariah Bolton is outspoken, bossy, quick to anger and has a heart of gold. She is just the woman to bring Brendon Haverton out of the depths of depression, through shouting matches and kisses. Shame about the editing issues.

Lying Beneath the Mistletoe 4* by Sadie Bosque - Can Matilda find Henry and persuade him to give her a second chance? She lied and hurt him before, Will she tell him the truth now, or lie to him again?

A Very Merry Viscount 4.5* by Jane Charles - This was a very enjoyable story featuring as it did a young lady with a fear to be overcome and an Irish nobleman which made a nice change from the normal Regency romance. I was surprised though at the numerous typos as this was released a couple of years ago - perhaps not the most up to date version was uploaded to the Anthology?

The Lady’s Guide to a Highlander’s Heart 5* by Emmanuelle de Maupassant - Young Flora Dalreagh is an obedient daughter and handfasts with the hardened warrior chosen by her father, though dark tales of his past make her fear him. When hours later she finds her beloved father brutally slain, she flees for her life. Two years later she infiltrates her husband’s castle bound on vengeance, only to find herself conflicted.

Masked Love 3* by Nicole Zoltack - Struggled with this story, there was no explanation as to why Isabelle’s speech didn’t mark her as a servant and the ending was inaccurate as Adrian could not have been disinherited without an Act of Parliament. He would have inherited his father’s title and his debts!

The Mistletoe Temptation 5* by Eve Pendle - A fab story. A young woman with attitude and a cunning plan for her freedom and a man who fall for her on sight and takes steps to disrupt her life. In many ways he is helpful, he has certainly got her mother off her back but as the time draws nearer for their fake engagement to end, Gina’s feelings have a sea-change. However Gina has lied to him about one aspect of her life, not knowing how much Everett has set store by it.

A Snowlit Christmas Kiss 4* by Larissa Lyons - Two strangers forge a connection not knowing that their fates are already entwined. However their unexpected reunion is not without hiccups and Edward must fight to obtain his heart’s desire.

A Duke for Midwinter 5* by Anthea Lawson
Selene feels herself in the shadow of her glittering sister, particularly after a broken engagement ruins her reputation. Travelling to London to be with her family for Christmas a stranger comes to her aid after a carriage accident. Falling for the gentleman she is bereft at his departure. Unfortunately when she meets him again, it appears he has his heart set on another lady.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from one of the authors. All thoughts and opinions are my own.